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Birth
William Golding was born to Mildred and Alex Golding in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. His mother campaigned for women's suffrage. His father was a teacher. -
Attended Brasenose College
In 1930, William Golding enrolled at Oxford's Brasenose College. He pursued science, which was contrary to his father's views. He subsequently changed his major to literature. -
Started teaching in Salisbury
William Golding began teaching English and Philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury. He was highly enthusiastic about his job. -
Joined the Royal Navy
Golding joined the Royal Navy after five years of teaching to serve in World War II. He fought in this conflict for six years and discovered one of his callings. During those years, he ascended to the rank of Lieutenant. -
Went back to teaching
After serving valiantly in World War II, Golding returned to his career of teaching. He eventually returned to his previous vocation. -
Got "Lord of the Flies" published
Golding's first and most critically praised novel, "Lord of the Flies," was published after 21 rejections. His novel was densely packed with symbolism and is being taught in classrooms throughout the world today. -
Film adaptation of "Lord of the Flies" was made
Peter Brook, a film producer, creates the first cinematic version of Golding's novel, "Lord of the Flies." This occurred a year after Golding's retirement from teaching. -
Won the Nobel Prize for Literature
Golding received the Nobel Peace Prize in Literature in 1983, at the age of 73. This demonstrated how important his novel was. -
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II knighted William Golding in the summer of 1988. When this happened, he was 78 years old. -
Death
In Perranarworthal, Cornwall, England, William Golding died. At the age of 81, he died of congestive heart failure.